Greens back teachers' strike plans

[Cate Faehrmann]

---------------------
Another message from the GREENS-MEDIA maillist.
You are subscribed as: chris at sw.oz.au
Manage your subscription on the list home page at:
http://www.altnews.com.au/greens/
---------------------

MEDIA RELEASE
24 May 2004


Greens back teachers' strike plans 

The unprecedented request by the NSW Government to reopen the Industrial Relations Commission's case into an increase in teachers' salaries was justification for any strikes that took place as a result, said Greens MP Lee Rhiannon.

"The Greens strongly support the teachers' decision to strike and the demands of teachers across NSW that the Carr Government fund a 25 per cent salary increase," said Ms Rhiannon.

"The argument by this Government that it had to reopen this case due to changed economic circumstances is an incredibly dangerous precedent.

"It should never have been reopened and is further evidence of a Labor Government's betrayal of public education. 

"This Government would have expected teachers to strike over its extraordinary and unprecedented moves to reopen this case and should not condemn teachers for doing so.

"After nine years of surplus budgets the Carr Government can afford to fund the teachers' wage rise. 

"This strike is vital for the future of public education.  

"It will not be possible to attract capable people into the teaching profession if the NSW Government is successful in winning the IRC over with the argument that it's short of money.
 
"The 2003 State Budget cut funding to public schools and colleges in real terms while boosting private school funding. 

"The wage rise should be provided with no cutbacks in other areas of the education budget," said Ms Rhiannon.



More information :  Cate Faehrmann	9230 3551	0412 207 043





-------------------------
Support your List Server:
DOMAIN NAMES: http://altnews.com.au/register/
HOSTING: http://altnews.com.au/sales/
PHONE: low cost calls at http://us.altnews.com.au/1cell/
-------------------------
Hosted by Alternative News Network, Cairns, tropical north Queensland, Australia
-------------------------